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BITE user comments - Hot_Stuff

Comments by Hot_Stuff

The Criterion, Leicester

From the outside, this is a typical ugly 1970's style building, with a little beer patio, (unfortunately often frequented by some unsavoury characters).
The decor on the inside is not much better; however don't let this put you off!

"A Mecca for real ale lovers" - (a quote used to describe the old vaults). Today the criterion is probably the only real ale pub in Leicester that comes close to this discription. If you�re a real ale lover like me, u will love the variety & quality of beers available (especially at beer festivals)

This venue offers a fantastic range of drinks, from real ale, continental bottled beer, and for the non drinkers an extensive range of soft drinks. On the food side they specialize in traditional Italian pizza at very reasonable prices. Usually of very high quality, however I have been disappointed on 1 occasion when the pizza base was so thin, it was almost non-existent.

The inside is split into 2 separate bars: - the front bar often used for live music, darts matches, and private functions, the rest of the time it has quite a student feel to it. The back bar is the main hub of activity, and can get very busy especially at the weekends, and quiz nights, often with a good vibe to go with it.

The down side to this venue is the service - waiting to be served can be very frustrating, especially at quieter times when the bar staff all hide in the kitchen/glass wash area seemingly having their own private party and totally oblivious to the numerous customers waiting to be served. Once you do get served, most of the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Unfortunately, however 1 or 2 of the staff can be quite rude and unprofessional - this is such a shame, as otherwise a fantastic little boozer with great potential.

17 Oct 2008 15:07

The Quay, Leicester

stay away, dont do it to yourself - no atmosphere, bad service, poor quality of drinks and is rather filthy.

13 Oct 2008 14:37

The Polar Bear, Leicester

cheap drinks, lots of students, and little atmosphere - same as all the other its a scream pubs. used to be a fantastic pub, when it was the bowling green many, many years ago.

13 Oct 2008 14:33

Pi Bar, Leicester

excellent variety of drinks to choose from, friendly knowledgable bar staff, and a small outside area. a good starting point to meet up with friends, or good afor a few drinks after work - def worth a visit.

13 Oct 2008 14:29

The Orange Tree, Leicester

What a fantastic pub, great atmosphere, friendly knowlegable staff, good choice of drinks, yummy food, and a huge beer garden, by far the best beer garden in the city - what more could one ask for! (maybe warmer weather all year round)

10 Oct 2008 16:37

Old Horse, Leicester

I used to drink here years and years ago - has always been a good boozer, good atmosphere, good food, and a large beer garden. dont get that end of town as much these days - def worth a visit.

10 Oct 2008 16:23

O'Neill's, Leicester

its an irish theme pub, nothing truely irish about it at all. the food is about the best thing it does, if you want a cheap meal deal that actually tastes ok. range of drinks is adequate, and they do do a double for an extra �1. good news for the numerous alcoholics that frequent the establishment.

10 Oct 2008 16:14

The O Bar, Leicester

I was quite surprised reading the other reviews - am i the only person who likes this venue! serves a vast range of drinks, including an excellent cocktail menu. can get rather croweded late in the evening, but with an excellent atmosphere. I have always found the bar and door staff very freindly.

10 Oct 2008 16:09

The New Town Arms, Leicester

a very freindly pub with an irish feel to the place. Karaoke at the weekends is always good for a laugh. also show sports on the big screen, and have a pool table. also has a late licence.

10 Oct 2008 15:56

Maiyango, Leicester

i love the food in this excellent little restaurant. the decor is superb, as is the cocktail menu - best cocktails in leicester!!!

10 Oct 2008 15:52

Marquis Wellington, Leicester

used to be a trad looking old boozer, however the refurb has given the place a new lease of life - i like it, a much better food and wine menu now available.

10 Oct 2008 15:47

The Looking Glass, Leicester

this is one of the better bars along the trendy braunstone gate. serves a huge range of spirits and continental beers. Also has live music on most evenings. run by the same people who have the Rutland & Derby.

10 Oct 2008 15:39

Molly O'Grady's, Leicester

when this pub first opened, it was excellent, good management, freindly staff who always had a smile on their face, a good selection of drinks and a fantastic food menu, serving traditional Homemade food. unfortunately today is a very different story. the staff are unfreindly, and serrvice is slow, and the management seem uninterested in the business.

10 Oct 2008 15:35

Jaceys Bar, Leicester

jaceys we miss you. . . .excellent for a couple a quiet drinks after work, or even better pre fan club or sector 5 on the weekend!!

10 Oct 2008 14:52

The Hat and Beaver, Leicester

excellent little boozer, very freiendly and good value for money - what a shame it is closed for good!

10 Oct 2008 14:49

Kings, Leicester

Traditional community pub in the heart of Leicester - and thay even started serving real ale! Lost just about all its regulars under the last licencee before closing. however the venue has just reopened, so watch this space!!

10 Oct 2008 13:30

Barley Mow, Leicester

nice little boozer close to te train station. serve real ale and do good breakfasts!

10 Oct 2008 13:26

Firebug, Leicester

Not quite the same as when it was the Lamplighters, but one of the new pubs left in the centre that cater for an alternative crowd. Open till 4am at the weekends, which is always a bonus (probably the only decent place to go to so late), however i have noticed recently they tend to let in just about anyone.

10 Oct 2008 13:22

The Globe, Leicester

One of the best pubs in Leicester's city centre. The globe has always been one of my favourites. It does seem to be alot quieter recently, possibly due to the increase in prices. Lets hope the place dosent change to much now that Janet has gone!

10 Oct 2008 13:18

Fan Club, Leicester

What a fantastic club this used to be, especially in the 90s. spellbound on a monday, student nights on tuesdays and fridays were just awesome. However the last few times ive been i have noticed they seem to let in every leicester scumbag.

29 Sep 2008 08:47

The Cherry Tree, Leicester

A proper old fashioned boozer. freindly staff and a great landlord! im afraid, not much available for the real ale drinkers though!!

29 Sep 2008 08:19

Cafe Bruxelles, Leicester

A beautiful old building, that serves an excellent range of beers. And when it comes to food, you really must try the mussels!

29 Sep 2008 08:14

Cradock, Leicester

has always been one of my favourites. excellent local boozer. good food, drink and atmosphere. what more can you ask for!

17 Sep 2008 19:33

Black Horse, Leicester

cozy traditional pub, good atmosphere, live music, and quiz nights. fairly good selection of drinks, including guest ales.

17 Sep 2008 19:30

The Ale Wagon, Leicester

good selection of ales, however quality is inconsistant. very unfreindly and unwelcoming staff. what a shame!

17 Sep 2008 19:21

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